Couchiching Beach Swimming Advisory Issued Aug. 9

The City of Orillia has received notice from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit that a swim advisory has been issued for Couchiching Beach, located at Couchiching Beach Park, due to a higher than normal bacteria count.

A swimming advisory is issued when the bacteria levels exceed those considered acceptable by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. An advisory is a warning to swimmers, but it is not a beach closure. During a swimming advisory, the beach is posted with warning signs indicating there may be an increased risk of developing minor irritations and infections. If you choose to swim during a swimming advisory, it may be prudent to avoid ducking your head or swallowing the water.

Bacteria counts can be affected by many different factors with the most common being rain, wind and water fowl. For more information, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Lifeguards are off duty during a swim advisory and swimmers are cautioned to swim at their own risk.